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Joint Media Advisory with Richland County Sheriff’s Department: The Verdict for Fraudulent Unemployment Claimant Jennifer Roberts

Tue, 07/15/2025

Joint Media Advisory with Richland County Sheriff’s Department:

The Verdict for Fraudulent Unemployment Claimant Jennifer Roberts

 

Columbia, S.C. – On behalf of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), DEW Executive Director William Floyd and RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott are proud to announce the verdict of the fraud case involving Jennifer Roberts.

The case against Jennifer Roberts began in October 2022, when DEW requested RCSD investigate several of her suspicious claims for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. The investigation revealed that Roberts had fraudulently obtained approximately $60,000 in PUA funds after using falsified documents and affirmations to claim she was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to her arrest.

On June 24, 2025, the Honorable Judge Milton G. Kimpson accepted Roberts’ guilty plea and sentenced her to six months in jail and four years of probation.

“Jennifer Roberts’ sentence should serve as a warning to criminals that our agency will investigate and prosecute those who defraud our state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system,” stated DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “We are grateful for Sheriff Lott’s support and the RCSD’s thorough investigation leading to an arrest and conviction.”

“While this theft may be considered minor to some, we take it very seriously,” said RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott. “Roberts’ fraud and deceit stole funds from the UI system that would otherwise go to those who truly deserved it. Our financial crimes unit will continue investigating these cases and holding thieves accountable. A thief is a thief, regardless of the methods they use to steal.”

Visit dew.sc.gov/individuals/unemployment-insurance-fraud to learn how to report claimant and employer fraud to DEW, including identity theft and imposter claims. Anyone wishing to self-report similar thefts is urged to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at crimesc.com.